What are "retinol uglies"? Should I expect them?
Yes — and they're temporary. The first two to three weeks on retinol typically produce flaking, mild redness, and occasional dryness as the skin's cell turnover accelerates. By week four most patients are comfortable; by week six the skin looks visibly better than baseline. We start you at every third night specifically to minimise this. If irritation is severe, WhatsApp Dr. Ahmad's team — usually a frequency reduction solves it.
I'm already on prescription tretinoin. Should I switch?
Probably not on your own. Tretinoin is more potent than encapsulated 0.3% retinol; if it's working for you, our Vit C, HA, and SPF are excellent complements. Please consult Dr. Ahmad's team — combining a second retinoid is not recommended, but you can use the supporting products around your existing prescription. The free consultation will sort this out.
Is this safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Retinol is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The Prep Cleanser, Vitamin CE Ferulic, Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and Barrier SPF are all pregnancy-safe. Book the free consultation on order and we'll prescribe a pregnancy-appropriate variant — usually substituting bakuchiol for the retinol step.
Will I become "dependent" on retinol?
No, but the gains will plateau if you stop. Retinol works by signalling skin cells to renew faster and stimulate collagen — the moment you stop, your skin reverts to its baseline turnover rate. The results don't reverse overnight, but they fade over months. Think of it like exercise: you keep doing it for the benefit, not because you're "addicted."
How does the AI preview actually work? Is my photograph safe?
Your photograph is sent over an encrypted connection to our generative-AI engine, processed once with a Clarté-specific prompt designed to model a twelve-week response, and then deleted from our servers. We do not store, sell, or train on your image. The projection is illustrative — not a clinical guarantee.
Is cash on delivery actually available?
Yes. Choose COD at checkout and pay the courier in cash on arrival. No card details required, no online payment. We confirm by WhatsApp before dispatch — so if you change your mind, simply tell us. Lahore arrives next-day; rest of Pakistan in two to four business days via TCS.